The 5th edition of CANIMAF, the African Animation Film Festival of Cameroon, is returning to Douala this year, promising two days of rich creative exchange, industry insight, and celebration of African animation talent. Set for 5–6 December 2025 at the Krystal Palace, this anniversary edition marks a major milestone for animators across the continent.
Founded in 2017, CANIMAF has grown from a small gathering into one of Africa’s most respected animation festivals, amplifying voices from Cameroon and beyond while pushing the boundaries of the continent’s animation industry. This year, the festival reflects on its journey, featuring retrospectives, panels, workshops, and a flagship creative residency designed to accelerate the work of promising animators.
What’s New at CANIMAF 2025
One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the CANIMAF Creative Residency. Over several months, selected animators from Africa will be provided mentorship, workspace, and mentorship, giving them the support needed to take bold storytelling ideas from draft to screen. This opportunity is especially important in an industry where funding and infrastructure remain limited.
Throughout the festival, attendees can also look forward to:
- Retrospectives of past CANIMAF films, spotlighting definitional works from earlier editions;
- Expert-led workshops and masterclasses, covering animation techniques, production pipelines, storyboarding, and design;
- Roundtable discussions on the future of African animation, its financing, and distribution;
- Networking moments with animation professionals and creatives from across Africa.
These events collectively serve as a platform for both seasoned animators and emerging talent, making CANIMAF 2025 a launching pad for the next generation of African visual storytellers.
Why This Matters for the Animation Community
For animators working in Africa, CANIMAF is far more than just a festival, it’s a central node of creative opportunity. The residency program alone could generate a slate of new African animated works that remain culturally authentic while appealing to global audiences.
The inclusion of workshops and panels also signals CANIMAF’s growing influence: rather than merely spotlighting finished films, the festival now invests in artists at the developmental stage. This shift reflects the long-term vision of building a sustainable animation ecosystem in Africa, one where animators find mentorship, funding and community.
As CANIMAF celebrates its fifth year, it embodies both reflection and ambition. This edition is more than a festival; it’s a commitment to nurturing African stories, empowering creators and defining what animation in Africa can be for years to come.
Are you an animator or a fan? Share which African animation stories you want to see more of, and how festivals like CANIMAF can help shape that future.